Tips from Pharmacist Mark Thompson
TRAVERSE CITY -- Making a House Call this week is Pharmacist Mark Thompson from Thompson Pharmacy in Traverse City. This week we talk about preparation for batting the flu virus this season.
Thompson said some symptoms of the flu include:
A 100 degree or higher fever, or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
While the flu can be treated at home, Thompson said you should seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Seizures
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Thompson said you can treat flu symptoms without medication by:
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent becoming dehydrated
Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever
Putting a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier
Gargling salt water (1:1 ratio warm water to salt) to soothe a sore throat
Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills
Thompson cautions taking flu medications with over-the-counter and prescription medications. He said if you take several medicines with the same active ingredient you might be taking more than the recommended dose. This can cause serious health problems. Read all labels carefully.
If you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which cold and flu medications are safe for you.
Thompson also offers the following tips for caring for somebody who has the flu:
Keep the sick person comfortable and follow the recommendations of his or her health care provider. Keep others in the home healthy by washing hands and household surfaces frequently.
Ensure the sick person takes all medications as directed.
Put the sick person in a separate space from other members of the household.
Everyone in the home, including the sick person, should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently.
To learn more click the video above.
For more information on Thompson Pharmacy call 231-947-4212.
